Thailand Tourist Visa

The Thailand Tourist Visa is one of the easiest ways for people from all around the globe to experience the country’s rich culture, exquisite food, and world-famous beaches. However, this visa is not granted automatically, and there are several things applicants need to keep in mind.

The visa offers two options: a Single-Entry Thailand Tourist Visa that allows a visit of 60 days, and a Multiple-Entry Thailand Tourist Visa that spans over 6 months, but requires that each visit not exceed 60 days during this period.

However, if you do not want to go through the hassle of applying for a Thailand Tourist Visa before arriving in Thailand, you may be eligible for the Visa Exemption Scheme. This scheme allows you to enter the country without needing to apply for a visa beforehand and grants you a stay of 60 days which can be extended for an additional 30 days.

What is the Thailand Tourist Visa?

The Thailand Tourist Visa is a stamp or document issued by a Thai Embassy or Consulate of your home country and allows you to enter the country for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes. It should not be confused with the Visa Exemption stamp, which is stamped into your passport upon entry into Thailand. It is important to note that holders of this visa are prohibited from working in the country.

The Thailand Tourist Visa offers two options:

Single-Entry

The Single-Entry Thailand Tourist Visa is intended for those visiting Thailand for a short duration and not traveling to other countries during this time:

• Must be utilized within 3 months from the date of issuance.
• Even if the holder enters the country on the last day of the 3-month deadline, they will still be eligible for a full visit.
• The holder is allowed to stay for up to 60 days upon arrival in Thailand.
• Can be extended for another 30 days at an immigration office, making the entire duration of the stay 90 days.
• Estimated cost of $30-$50.
• If the holder leaves the country, the visa is voided regardless of the remaining duration.

Multiple-Entry

The Multiple-Entry Thailand Tourist Visa is best for those intending to explore the region over an extended period:

• Allows unlimited entries into Thailand over a 6-month period from the date of issuance.
• Each entry allows a 60-day stay, which means that the holder may come and go as many times as they please during the 6-month validity, so long as each stay does not exceed 60 days.
• Stays can be extended for another 30 days at an immigration office, making the entire duration of each trip 90 days.
• Estimated cost of $150-$250.

Thailand Tourist Visa Requirements

An application fee may be required when applying for a Thailand Tourist Visa. There is also a Thailand Tourist Visa fee of around $30 (or equivalent) per entry.

However, the fee amount as well as the required documents are subject to change at any time without prior notice by Thai immigration. These requirements can also change by country and embassy, so it is best to contact the local embassy before organizing the application and arrival in Thailand, as well as confirm whether or not an in-person application is even required.

Some countries offer a digital option, known as the Thai E-Visa. This is a significantly faster method for obtaining a Thailand Tourist Visa, so it is important to inquire about the E-Visa when contacting the local Thai embassy.

The documents needed to apply for the Thai visitor visa are as follows:

• A completed application form
• A passport or travel document with no less than 6 months validity remaining
• A passport photograph
• Travel tickets (paid in full)
• Proof of funds (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family)
• Proof of hotel or private accommodation booking

All documents must be in either Thai or English. If they are not, they must be translated by a certified translator and legalized by the relevant Embassy or Consulate notary before submission.

Consular officers may request additional documents, so it is advisable to allow sufficient time before traveling to apply.

Contact Siam Legal International

If you’re planning on traveling to Thailand, retain the services of Siam Legal International. We are a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience in helping clients from all around the world enter Thailand with the correct visa. With our help, you will not only get your visa quicker and with fewer complications but will also avoid any issues with Thai immigration.

Should you have any further questions or wish to begin the application process for the Thailand Tourist Visa or any other Thai visa, do not hesitate to contact Siam Legal.

Thai Visitor Visa Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Thailand Tourist Visa and a Visa on Arrival?

Both a Thailand Tourist Visa and a Visa on Arrival are designed for tourism purposes only. However, a Visa on Arrival, as the name suggests, is a visa you get upon arriving in Thailand, so long as you are from one of the eligible countries, while a Thailand Tourist Visa requires you to apply for one before arriving in Thailand. Another difference between the 2 visas is that a Visa on Arrival grants you a stay of up to 15 days, while a Thailand Tourist Visa grants you a stay of 60 days.

What happens if I overstay my Thailand Tourist Visa?

If you overstay your Thailand Tourist Visa, you will be charged for overstaying in Thailand. You will also need to pay an overstay fee of 500 THB per day. In serious cases of overstaying, you may be banned from Thailand, with the period varying depending on how long you’ve overstayed.

What visas allow for a longer stay than 90 days in Thailand?

If you are married to a Thai national, consider applying for a Thailand Marriage Visa. If you are 50 years of age or over, you can apply for a Thailand Retirement Visa. However, if you have plans to work in Thailand long-term and meet certain financial requirements, the LTR Visa Thailand may be the best fit for you. If you want a long-term visa that comes with a wealth of extra benefits and few immigration obligations, you may want the Thailand Elite Visa that’s offered under the Thailand Privilege program.

How do I extend a Thailand Tourist Visa?

You can extend your Thailand Tourist Visa at the local Thai immigration office. An extension of stay will cost 1900 THB and must be paid in cash.

Am I allowed to work on my Thailand Tourist Visa?

Any form of employment is strictly prohibited under the Thailand Tourist Visa. If you are caught working in Thailand with this visa, your criminal record will be affected.